Solo art show showcases nature

Scarcely two years have elapsed since Krysia Gallien surfaced on the local art scene. But the watercolour artist’s ethereal interpretations of nature have captured the imagination of aficionados through a series of exhibitions showcasing her unique, impressionistic style.

Her latest exhibit will be launched Friday at the S enCiel gallery/boutique, which opened earlier this month in Pointe Claire Village.

Her work reflects her love of “both impressionism and sumi-e Japanese brush art. I am more interested in painting the essence of the subject than its literal form. The result is very fluid, and lets the eye flow. I want the viewer to complete or dream the rest of the painting,” explained the Pointe Claire resident, who in 2008 alone held solo shows at Beaconsfield, Ile Bizard, and Roxboro libraries, among other venues. (She will exhibit her works in March at the Kirkland Library).

Her painting of flowers, landscapes, and figures are characterized by vibrant hues – azure, fuchsia, crimson.

“I also enjoy the effect of gold paint; it changes with the light creating a kind of alchemy,” she said, adding, “my work is an exploration of colour and light.

“The paintings are created to fill the room with abundance and energy,” she said, adding she favours the watercolour medium for its improvisational quality.

“The process of painting in watercolor demands an immediate response to the water and paint, a give and take like a tai chi dance.”

The show at S enCiel, which also carries exquisite jewelry, is a long-term installation. Gallien is artist-in-residence with new artworks appearing regularly. The gallery will also carry her exquisite art cards, which are available as well at several other West Island locales, including nearby Westmount Florist and Karisma Florist in Beaurepaire.

“I called this show Vision Quest to describe my own process of learning to see with new eyes. I see art as a journey of insight,” said Gallien, a holistic health practitioner for 30 years.

With titles like Monet’s Dream, Autumn Flames, and Song of the Muse, the intention is to “evoke a mood, not recreate a visual scene, and to create a sense of sanctuary and serenity. For me painting is a meditation, a form of gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us.

The vernissage for Vision Quest will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. S enCiel is located at 327 Lakeshore Rd. For more information, call 514-518-4425 or 514-695-7950 or visit Creativebeing.com.